Ethics rules are relaxed for lobbyists

By LARRY MARGASAK
Associated PressPublished:January 7, 2003 7:00PM

WASHINGTON House Republican leaders concealed from the chambers ethics leaders the now-approved rules changes that allow charities to give lawmakers free vacations and make it easier for lobbyists to send food to congressional offices. Rep. Joel Hefley, a Colorado Republican who led the House ethics committee in the last Congress, said he learned of the proposals Monday too late.